My research is grounded in a highly analytical approach that integrates individually and environmentally focused explanations of human behaviour.

After 24 years at the University of Cambridge I have a very strong academic background in the social sciences with a focus on developmental and social psychology, developmental and environmental criminology, and research methods. This includes a degree in Social and Political Sciences and a PhD in Criminology, and various published books and papers.

Having managed one of the world's most comprehensive longitudinal studies of adolescent behaviour for 16 years, based at the University of Cambridge Institute of Criminology, I am an accomplished researcher (see my history and CV). 

I am the Managing Editor of the European Journal of Criminology, the flagship journal of the European Society of Criminology; and an Affiliated Researcher at the Centre for Analytic Criminology at the Institute of Criminology both at the University of Cambridge (see profiles). I am an Independent Researcher, affiliated to the National Coalition of Independent Scholars (NCIS).

I am currently working on collaborations with academic researchers and practitioners from a range of fields to apply my perspective and knowledge to topics including adolescent crime, education, probation, prisoners’ families, stigma, youth intervention, autism, activity and obesity, road safety, and cutting-edge research methods.

My current main research project is SATNAV, which is a researcher-practitioner developed comprehensive new programme of change for schools that builds effective behaviour management via moral development within strong moral contexts.